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๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Nigeria /Crime & Justice

Police arrest three for torturing Imo varsity student to death

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • Police in Imo State, Nigeria, arrested three students in connection with the death of a 21-year-old undergraduate.
  • The student was allegedly beaten to death by members of the university's Man Oโ€™ War organization over an alleged theft of N13,500.
  • The incident sparked student protests, leading to unrest and property damage on campus.

The Imo State Police Command has apprehended three students from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), in connection with the alleged murder of Chinedu Christogonus, a 100-level Cyber Security student. The 21-year-old was reportedly beaten to death on Saturday by members of the university's Man Oโ€™ War organization after being accused of stealing N13,500.

Initial findings indicate that the deceased was allegedly restrained and assaulted, resulting in critical injuries. He was subsequently rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, where he was confirmed dead by medical personnel.

โ€” Henry OkoyeDescribing the initial police findings regarding the student's death.

The alleged assault resulted in severe injuries, and Christogonus was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, where he was declared dead. The incident ignited unrest among students, leading to rampages that involved the burning of buildings and destruction of property on the FUTO campus.

Police Public Relations Officer Henry Okoye confirmed the arrests of Chukwuemeka Benedict (21), Kelechi Ikenna (24), and Obioma Anastasia (21), all 500-level students, stating that preliminary investigations indicate the deceased was restrained and assaulted. The Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, has ordered a transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a comprehensive investigation, assuring that all involved parties will be identified and investigated to ensure justice.

Upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, Audu Bosso, immediately directed operatives to take swift action, leading to the immediate arrest of the suspects. Relevant evidence has been secured, while the corpse has been deposited in the morgue for preservation and autopsy.

โ€” Henry OkoyeDetailing the police response and actions taken after the incident.

The police urged the public to remain calm and allow the investigation to proceed, emphasizing their commitment to upholding the rule of law and bringing all responsible individuals to justice. The deceased's body has been deposited in the morgue for an autopsy.

The Commissioner of Police assures the family of the deceased, the university community, and members of the public that the Command is fully on top of the situation and remains committed to uncovering the circumstances surrounding the death. He emphasises that no individual, regardless of status, will be shielded from the law if found culpable.

โ€” Henry OkoyeReassuring the public about the thoroughness of the investigation and commitment to justice.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.